Event agenda

Opening Ceremony with Shannon Jenkins, Alyssia Kugler, Regula Bleuler

Startup Nights begins with Alyssia Kugler, Regula Bleuler and Shannon Jenkins, our moderation for the first day of Startup Nights. Get ready for energy, inspiration, and the perfect start to two days of innovation and entrepreneurship.

AI is your new Co-Founder: Rethinking product building from day one | Tony Beltramelli from Miro

Tony Beltramelli (Miro, ex-Uizard) shows how AI can be your ultimate co-founder. Learn how to rethink product building from day one and discover how AI is reshaping the way startups innovate, scale, and succeed.

Scaling deep tech: How startups become strategic partners to enterprise customers

Between innovation and adoption: Building the ultimate Bitcoin App

Relai CEO Julian Liniger shares the highs, lows, and real lessons from building Europe’s leading Bitcoin app—from near-failure to $1B in volume and 100k+ users.

Deep Tech Pitching Competition powered by ABB

See the future of innovation at the Deep Tech Pitching Competition powered by ABB. Startups are currently in the application process. The finalists for the main stage will be announced end of October.

Digitale Impulse für die berufliche Vorsorge – Startup-Ideen für die Zukunft | Swiss Life

Skip the entity, not the opportunity: a smarter way to expand | Remote

Break

Grab a drink and check out the next program slots! :)

Smart Machines | Handelskammer Winterthur (HAW)

Coming soon: Keynote by...

How tech is changing healthcare for good | Gregory Inauen and Tim Seithe

Discover how Gregory Inauen (grape) and Tim Seithe (Aeon) are redefining healthcare with insurtech and preventive health tech. A panel on how innovation makes well-being smarter, proactive, and more impactful.

Health Tech Pitching Competition

Witness the future of healthcare at the Health Tech Pitching Competition. Startups are currently in the application process. The finalists for the main stage will be announced end of October.

Break

Grab a drink and check out the next program slots! :)

Good tech, great Impact: Why purpose is allowed to be profitable | Nicole Kleger (sallea) and Sarah Harbarth (KUORI)

Discover how founders Nicole Kleger (sallea AG) and Sarah Harbarth (KUORI) prove that tackling global challenges with innovation can also drive strong business success.

Plastic pollution is a catastrophe — but solvable through impact investing

"The plastic crisis isn't complex. We just need courage to act." Khalil Radi (Buy Food with Plastic) shows how turning ideas into action can tackle two global crises at once — poverty and plastic waste.

Learnings on our Journey to becoming a full AI Software Agency - Do's and Don'ts | Holycode

Female Founders & Investors Meetup by Swiss Startup Association

Join the Female Founders & Investors Meetup at Startup Nights! Register (for free) to get entrance: https://swissstartupassociation-8396720.hs-sites.com/34547709294

From Spark to Impact - Technology for Life and Planet | Thomas Schori (tide Ocean) and Lukas Langenegger (hemotune) - UBS Global Visionaries

Curdin Duschletta, Head of Social Impact and Philanthropy (UBS) Thomas Schori - Captain and CEO of Tide Lukas Langenegger, CEO and Co-Founder of hemotune

Impact Tech Pitching Competition powered by UBS

The Impact Tech Pitching Competition powered by UBS proves that scalable business and meaningful change can thrive together. Startups are currently in the application process. The finalists for the main stage will be announced end of October.

Break

Grab a drink and check out the next program slots! :)

Turning robots into accessible workforces for everyone

Robonnement founder Nimrod Malinas shares how bold thinking and smart business models can turn robots into accessible workforces for every company — not just tech giants.

The Power of Change - How Bold Moves Shape the Future

Coming soon: Keynote by...

Award Ceremony for Deep Tech, Health Tech and Impact Tech Awards

Celebrate the winners during the Award Ceremony of the Deep Tech, Health Tech and Impact Tech Pitching Competition.

Opening Ceremony with Moderator Ben Munday

Kick off Day 2 at Startup Nights with the Opening Ceremony setting the tone for another inspiring day of bold ideas, powerful stories, and meaningful connections.

Keynote with...

Beyond limits: What startups can learn from champions | Simon Ehammer (Professional Athlete in Track and Field)

World Champion and record-breaking athlete Simon Ehammer shares what startups can learn from elite sports, from resilience to performance, in a fireside chat on pushing limits and winning big.

Panel Talk zu Digital Health - Von der Vision zur Realität | House of Winterthur (Deutsch)

Startup Legal Survival Guide: Navigating Common Pitfalls with Confidence | Walder Wyss

Co-Founder Matchmaking by Launch Control

Successful startups need strong teams. At our Co-Founder Matchmaking, we connect innovative founders with committed individuals!

First customers, real revenue: The truth about the Go-To-Market Challenge | Tobias Häckermann (SHERPANY), Jeremias Meier (bexio, Paymira)

Serial founders Tobias Häckermann (SHERPANY) and Jeremias Meier (bexio, Paymira) share unfiltered lessons on the toughest startup hurdle: landing first customers and scaling real revenue. A panel on the raw truth behind go-to-market success.

The role of a pioneer: Building before it makes sense | Samy Liechti (BLACKSOCKS)

Samy Liechti (BLACKSOCKS) shares how pioneering ideas often look crazy before they succeed. From building one of the first e-commerce subscription models to coaching founders, he reveals what it takes to build before it makes sense.

Talentkick Pitches

Finalists of the Talentkick Program present their business ideas in short pitches.

Top 3 Finalists - Pitches from the winners of the Pitching Competitions on Day 1

Vote for your favourite startup and make it win the audience voting for additional recognition!🚀

The real investment case is your team | Jürg Schwarzenbach (known from Höhle der Löwen) - Deutsch

Investor Jürg Schwarzenbach (Höhle der Löwen Schweiz, Payrexx, Carvolution) shares why the real investment case isn’t the product or market — it’s the team. Learn what makes founders truly fundable. This fireside chat will be held in German.

How AI-Agents Transform Modern GTM Strategies | Joel Capt (Peakora)

The AI revolution has fundamentally impacted the way modern businesses can win new clients today. In this session, you dive into the possibilities of AI for building a fully automated sales system and unlock unseen efficiency to boost your growth.

Why Some startup stories make headlines, and others don't - Insights von Tages-Anzeiger, Handelszeitung & Co

Europe vs. Silicon Valley: Building the Future of Innovation | Petter Made (SumUp) - Live-Podcast with Swisspreneur

Live with Swisspreneur, Petter Made (SumUp, EWOR) explores Europe vs. Silicon Valley. From scaling an €8B fintech to backing founders, he shares lessons on speed, culture, and building the future of innovation.

Non-Dilutive Funding Opportunities for Startups and SMEs | Inspiralia

Coming soon... | AXA

From niche to everywhere: Building a global brand on day one | Catarina Dahlin (Dagsmejan)

Catarina Dahlin (Dagsmejan) shares how she turned functional sleepwear into a global brand sold in 100+ countries. A keynote on bold ideas, fast growth, and building global impact from day one.

From grants to Growth capital: Advice for your fundraising journey

From St. Gallen to New York, how scaling works | Roger Dudler (Frontify)

Roger Dudler (Frontify) shares how he scaled from St. Gallen to New York, growing to 300+ staff and 10,000+ clients like Uber and Microsoft. A keynote on building global impact while staying true to your vision.

Award Ceremony – Finals Public Vote and Youth Price

Official Startup Nights After Party @ Bolero (entry with your Startup Nights ticket)

We have an exclusive area reserved at Bolero from 10:00 pm, accessible with your startup nights ticket. You can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with drinks and good company. Or, if you prefer, head into the club for the full party experience. 🥳